Ashgabat Hosts Major Socio-Political Event Marking International Year of Peace and Trust

Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: A major socio-political event titled “The International Year of Peace and Trust: Confident Steps of Neutral Turkmenistan” was held on December 24 at the Mekan Palace in Ashgabat, highlighting Turkmenistan’s achievements during the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of the country’s permanent neutrality.

The event was organized by the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and brought together members of the Government, senior officials and representatives of Turkmenistan’s diplomatic service, heads and staff of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan, as well as citizens from across the country.

Prior to the official ceremony, musical and vocal performances by renowned cultural figures and artists were presented. Participants also visited a thematic exhibition showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Turkmen people and the country’s achievements during the years of independence.

Opening the event, Manager of the Affairs of the Halk Maslahaty Apparatus, Rejep Bazarov, emphasized the significance of the International Year of Peace and Trust and noted that the comprehensive work carried out under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov during this year has further strengthened Turkmenistan’s international standing.

It was highlighted that, in accordance with a Presidential Decree, a State Organizing Committee headed by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, was established to ensure high-level celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust. Particular attention was drawn to major international events hosted by Turkmenistan in 2025, as well as the publication of a new book by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov titled “Neutrality of Turkmenistan – The Bright Path of Peace and Trust,” presented as a festive gift to the nation.

The ceremony continued with the performance of the State Anthem of Turkmenistan.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov delivered a keynote address, underscoring the importance of the event and describing 2025 as a landmark year in the modern history of Turkmenistan. He noted that the year strengthened the foundations of the country’s statehood and advanced its political, economic, and social development.

Meredov emphasized that, thanks to the large-scale activities of the National Leader, Hero-Arkadag, and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, 2025 was marked by significant achievements in both domestic and foreign policy. Together with the international community, Turkmenistan widely celebrated the historic 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality.

He stressed that this anniversary coincided with two major global milestones: the International Year of Peace and Trust, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly at Turkmenistan’s initiative, and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. According to the foreign minister, these three landmark events are deeply interconnected and carry profound practical significance.

“Today, we can confidently state that tremendous work has been done to promote neutrality as a foundation for peacebuilding and political dialogue in addressing complex issues. As a result, the world increasingly recognizes the importance of our neutrality and its role as a key factor for security, peace, and sustainable development,” Meredov said.

He further noted that in 2025 the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a number of resolutions initiated by Turkmenistan with the co-sponsorship of dozens of UN member states. These included the resolution on the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan, as well as resolutions on cooperation in vital areas such as energy and transport. Special attention was drawn to the resolutions adopted on December 15, 2025: “The Key Role of Reliable and Stable Energy Connectivity in Ensuring Sustainable Development” and “United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035).”

The minister also highlighted Turkmenistan’s active engagement within other international and regional organizations, including the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Organization of Turkic States, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Particular emphasis was placed on cooperation with neighboring countries, notably within the framework of the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Heads of State. It was recalled that at the 7th meeting held in November, participants unanimously supported Turkmenistan’s proposal to invite fraternal Azerbaijan as a full member of this format.

Meredov also noted Turkmenistan’s participation in the “Central Asia +” dialogue platforms, involving partners such as China, Russia, the United States, Japan, the European Union, and Italy. He recalled that a Turkmen delegation led by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited New York in September 2025 to attend the UN General Assembly session.

During the year, Turkmenistan hosted several major international events in line with its “open door” policy, including the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and the international conference “The Role of Women in Modern Society: Development of International Cooperation Towards Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The foreign minister described the International Forum held in honor of the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality as the key political event of the year. The forum, attended by representatives of dozens of countries and international organizations, including heads of state, government, and parliaments, became a major milestone in the global political and diplomatic agenda. The Ashgabat Declaration adopted at the forum was described as a strategically important document.

Meredov reiterated the essence of the “Peace through Development” initiative proposed by Hero-Arkadag at the UN more than a decade ago, as well as the concept “Dialogue – a Guarantee of Peace,” introduced in December 2021. He recalled that President Serdar Berdimuhamedov subsequently proposed declaring 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust, an initiative fully supported by the UN General Assembly.

Addressing the Turkmen model of neutrality, Meredov stressed that neutrality is not merely a formal status but a philosophy of relations based on peace, harmony, respect, and a sense of shared responsibility within the family of humanity. Turkmenistan, he said, has demonstrated in practice its readiness to use neutrality in the interests of peace, development, and the well-being of all nations.

The ceremony also featured speeches by Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Hero of Turkmenistan Aksoltan Ataeva; UNICEF Representative in Turkmenistan Jalpa Ratna; U.S. Ambassador Elizabeth Rood; German Ambassador Bernd Heinze; Uzbek Ambassador Ravshanbek Alimov; Iranian Ambassador Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani; as well as representatives of Turkmen society, academia, and youth.

All speakers praised the successful outcomes of events held during the International Year of Peace and Trust under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader, Hero-Arkadag.

A medal awarding ceremony followed, during which heads of foreign diplomatic missions, representatives of international organizations, and citizens of Turkmenistan were honored with the medal “Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna” (30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Neutrality) and a commemorative silver badge.

Concluding the event, Rashid Meredov expressed gratitude on behalf of the National Leader and the President to all participants for their active engagement in international initiatives throughout the year. He voiced confidence that 2026 would be a year of further progress and new achievements for Turkmenistan.

The event was described as a vivid testament to the success of Turkmenistan’s peace initiatives and the broad international support for the constructive proposals advanced by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero-Arkadag, opening a new chapter in the country’s diplomatic history and further strengthening its role as a center of peace and cooperation.